Goulburn Convent Blessing

February 18, 2026

Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart gathered with students from neighbouring St Joseph’s Primary for a special blessing

It was always about care. Care lived quietly, faithfully, and over generations. That spirit was evident at St Joseph’s Convent in Goulburn, where around 120 people gathered for a special Blessing Event marking the next chapter in the life of this historic site.

Chair Caroline Waldron, Interim CEO Ant Dureau, and Congregational Leader Sr Josephine Dubiel attended the event alongside the Mayor of Goulburn Nina Dillon, councillors, Vicar General Fr Richard Thompson, and more than 40 Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart who returned to the place many once called home.

The event began with a moving Acknowledgement of Country and a Smoking Ceremony, which set a reflective and respectful tone for the day. Two magnolia trees, a favourite of the Sisters, were then planted in the garden, symbolising gratitude, continuity, and the enduring legacy of care that has shaped the convent for more than 140 years.

The convent, purchased in February, has long been a place defined by compassion and service. With settlement finalised on 21 January, stewardship of the convent and chapel has now passed into our hands, ensuring the site will continue to be cared for with the same reverence and purpose that has guided its history.

For Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), this moment represents not a beginning but a continuation. We have been part of this site for more than 20 years through Tenison Residential Aged Care, supporting older people in Goulburn with dignity, connection, and purpose.

Sr Josephine Dubiel and Interim CEO Ant Dureau planted two magnolia trees symbolising the enduring legacy of care

The Sisters expressed their hopes for the future with clarity and warmth. Sr Josephine shared that their congregation wanted the building to continue serving the wider Goulburn community, ideally through expanded aged care services.

“We are very happy we can hand it over to Southern Cross Care. We know they have an emphasis on the word care, and that’s very precious to the Sisters and to SCC.”

Her words reflected the Josephite charism, to go where the work is waiting, to visit the sick, the lonely, the housebound, and the aged. With more than 450 Sisters having lived at the convent and thousands of boarders shaped by its spirit, the legacy of care is profound.

A particularly touching moment came from the students of St Joseph’s Primary School, who offered a heartfelt thank you to the Sisters. Their simple, sincere words were a reminder that the Sisters’ influence continues to shape young hearts.

As the blessing concluded, it was clear this was not an ending, but a passing forward of trust, responsibility, and above all, of care.